Daniel Charles Murphy

September 8, 1959 – October 28, 2018It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dan Murphy.

Daniel Charles Murphy was born in New Westminster, B.C. September 8th, 1959. He is survived by a loving family: his two sons Nathan Murphy and Nevan Murphy as well as his beloved granddaughter Ava; his brothers Tim and Kelly; his sister Kathy; and his mother Janet. Dan was a giving man who spent the majority of his career in Service to others. He loved to fish, to laugh and to spend time with people he cared about.

Dan grew up in Kelowna where he completed high school. He was an accomplished electrician in Kelowna before joining the Vancouver Fire Department in 1987. At the age of 28 years Dan began his lifelong love affair with Fire Services as a firefighter. After years with the Vancouver Fire Department Dan began training Firefighters with the Justice Institute and through them was invited to teach internationally.

Dan spent the last 9 years of his career with Nanaimo Fire Rescue as The Assistant Fire Chief in charge of Education and Training. Dan created the Vancouver Island Emergency Response Academy while he was with Nanaimo Fire Rescue. He was respected and appreciated for the training he provided across the province. Dan retired a short time ago.

Dan’s true passion was fishing, particularly salmon fishing off the coast of Ucluelet where he and his brother Tim kept a boat. It was endless rolls of fishing line that thread together a kinship spanning many years and many miles. He fished with his family happily, but he referred to his best friend Dale as his fishing wife, and his true kindred spirit. We know Dan will continue to be with Dale and Tim on the water in spirit.

Dan’s smile was biggest and brightest when he spoke of children and his granddaughter. His blue eyes twinkling at the thought of his two wonderful sons, Nathan and Nevan. Dan was a devoted father, he was deeply proud of both boys. He saw them as his greatest accomplishment. Dan was very much looking forward to spending two weeks in Hawaii with his boys and granddaughter Ava later this month.

Dan’s family would like to convey a heartfelt thank-you to his friend and supporter Vanessa. Your presence made Dan’s life better and brighter.

A celebration of Dan’s life and career will be held in Nanaimo on: Friday, December 7th 2018 at 1 pm at Beban Park Social Center, 2300 Bowen Road Nanaimo, B.C.

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